YPS alumni have not only made presentations, implemented ideas, and started action projects after completing a YPS program, but have also gone on to internships, jobs and fields of study related to their YPS experience. We are so proud of our incredible alumni and their many accomplishments. This page features Alumni Profiles to highlight the incredible students who have participated in YPS. For more information on Alumni Action Projects, please click here.

Are you a YPS alumni? Share your YPS experience and get others involved by becoming an Alumni Ambassador! Click here for more details.

Since 2004, 682 students from 23 states have participated in a YPS program.

Alumni Profile: Abigail Ochengco

School: California Academy of Mathematics and Science, Grade 11

YPS Program: 2011 National Energy Innovation

About Me: Growing up in the heart of Southern California, I've grown a love for music. I go to concerts and work to promote multiple bands (mostly local). Some of the bands that I work with, like The Inheritance, have recently gotten signed to major music labels! I also like performing myself, so you might just catch a glimpse of me on xFactor this fall. I really didn't think I would be so excited to make it through a few levels of auditioning. In addition to that, I help with CAMS's Human Environment, Animal Rights club, where we earn camping and hiking trips in return for helping maintain animal reserves/habitats on the college campus that we share with Cal State Dominguez Hills. As a part of my class board, I have to start planning for Prom 2013 this school year. I'll be looking forward to helping out with CAMS's VEX and FRC robotics teams, too. I'm also planning to work with my peers who came on the trip to YPS, so that we can present our work to local officials and professors.

My YPS Experience: YPS taught me that sometimes one must push an idea for it to even be taken seriously. [Ahem, I'm spotlighting Ashby on MagLevs.] Negotiation and compromise have always been said to be the key to peace, but it wasn't until this summer that I learned how true that is.

Alumni Profile: Reid Blanchett

School: Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center, grade 12

YPS Program: 2010 Energy Innovation in Michigan

About Me: Some of my favorite things are: reading, BASKETBALL!!!!!, snorkeling, crazy socks, all things limegreen and Christmas movies. As a senior this year, I will be focusing on filling out college applications, HOMECOMING (go bulldogs!),getting ready for basketball season, taking Spanish classes at WMU with my friends, and trying to survive!

My YPS Experience: I am using some of the skills I learned at YPS like leadership, negotiation, and mediation skills when organizing and running community service projects. Learning how to communicate effectively with a large group of people and try to take everyone's input into account is something I really value from YPS.

Alumni Profile: Rauhiem Shabazz

School: Cass Technical High School, grade 9

YPS Program: 2011 Midland Great Lakes Water Resources

About Me: I am currently 14 years old and going into the 9th grade.Basketball is my favorite hobby of all. I enjoy eating fried chicken and pizza with pineapples on it. Although, bike riding comes as a strong second I will be so happy when my mother realizes that I'm ready for a mini moped.  This fall, I am anxiously awaiting for the basketball season to start. I think Dallas should make it to the playoffs. I would like to see Dallas  and the Celtics go for the championship.

My YPS Experience:I definitely will be sharing my experience with the Assistant Principal with hopes that they can make it a future focus for students at Cass. Also, so that for YPS 2012 that they will be aware so they can select students to participate next year including me.  I have been sharing my experiences on Facebook. I hate to say it but many of my friends are just not aware of current events or the issues that plague our water system so I was honored to share the adverse effects of phosphorus on the water system. My example was that a lot of detergents say it on the bottle so I use that as a starting point to ensure they understand.